Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

79. To ask the Minister for Health if CCTV and covert inspections will be introduced in nursing homes to monitor standards of care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2376/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome this opportunity to outline the progress being made by the HSE in relation to this very serious matter.

Like others, I was shocked and distressed by the revelations of extremely poor and unacceptable standards of care and mistreatment of vulnerable adults in Áras Attracta. Every person who uses our disability services is entitled to expect and receive supports of the highest standard and to live in an atmosphere of safety and care.

The safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people in the care of the health service is of paramount importance and the Director General of the HSE has written to all staff instructing them to take personal responsibility for ensuring that individuals supported by the HSE in any setting are treated with dignity and respect.

In December 2014 the HSE initiated both an expert investigation chaired by Mr Christy Lynch, and an independently chaired review of services at this facility led by Dr Kevin McCoy.

Mr Lynch’s investigation team is working independently of the HSE and will form an important input into any disciplinary process which the HSE will undertake.

Dr McCoy is undertaking an Assurance Review of the services at Áras Attracta and the final report will include an individual plan for improvement in each bungalow within the complex. The review will identify system wide learning involving engagement with relevant expertise as well as input from staff.

I welcome the fact that the Gardaí have now cleared the way so that Mr. Lynch’s investigation can commence. I have asked the HSE to keep me informed of progress.

The HSE has undertaken a number of additional initiatives to ensure that quality and safe care in residential services for people with disabilities is appropriately implemented and monitored.

A six-step plan will address this in a systematic way. These steps are:

- The establishment of a National Implementation Taskforce, including a series of National Summits to improve client safety, dignity, respect and culture;

- Implementation of the National Policy & Procedures on Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse;

- Development of an Advocacy programme;

- Implementation of an evaluation and quality improvement programme in disability residential centres;

- Development of an implementation plan for any recommendations arising from the McCoy review of residential services in Áras Attracta when complete, and,

- Development of long term sustainable & evidence-based safeguarding practices and training programmes specific to residential settings.

The HSE is considering plans to monitor practices in social care facilities through the use of surveillance cameras, undercover persons and /or other means. However, it is very conscious of potential difficulties that could arise in relation to privacy and data protection, and given the complex issues involved, has decided to engage expert consultants to advise it on the best way to proceed. A Prior Information Notice under EU procurement rules was published in mid-December in this regard.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department will monitor progress on the initiatives and processes commissioned by the HSE in relation to Áras Attracta, to ensure that the learning from this incident is promulgated throughout our health system.